A FOOTBALL mad terminally ill boy who surpassed all doctors expectations when he started nursery last month is getting the chance to meet his heroes.

Three-year-old Kyle Lord, of Heywood Road, Accrington was born with Type One Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disease which has left him unable to walk or sit unaided.

When he was born doctors told his parents he would not live beyond the age of two, but miraculous Kyle’s drive and determination has seen him celebrate his third birthday and start nursery at Fairfield Children’s Centre, in Fairfield Street, Accrington.

Next week to celebrate his achievements the Observer has teamed up with Accrington Rotary club’s ‘We’ll Fix it’ team to send Kyle to his beloved Blackburn Rovers Football Club for the day.

The ‘We’ll Fix it’ team also granted a wish for four-year-old Ellese Mulligan-Green who died of a brain tumour last Christmas, of a holiday of a lifetime to Euro Disney to meet her favourite Disney characters.

Kyle, who cannot hold up his head and who also has serious chest problems will get to meet Rovers legend and East Lancashire lad David Dunn plus other players.

He and his family will watch Blackburn Rovers next home game against Portsmouth next Saturday before enjoying a meal and going into the players lounge.

Kyle will also receive signed gifts such as a football kit.

His mum Paula said: "The whole family is really proud of Kyle, he really is a determined little boy. He has had absolutely no worries about starting nursery, I think I have had them all for him.

"His is so excited about going to Blackburn Rovers, it will really be a day for him to remember."

Kyle will be sharing his special treat with his big sister Bethany, five, mum Paula and dad Paul.

Children born with the same condition as Kyle, are floppy as babies, unable to suckle and are only given a 20 per cent chance of surviving past two-years-old.

Kyle’s parents are currently looking at his options for starting school next September.

They hope with the help of a full time support worker he will be able to join mainstream education at Peel Park Primary School, Alice Street, Accrington next year.